
Four Candidates Vying to Unseat Abed Bwanika in the 2026 Parliamentary Race.
disclaimer:Nile post insider
The political landscape of the Kimanya-Kabonera constituency is heating up as incumbent legislator Dr. Abed Bwanika faces a formidable challenge from four powerful contenders. These candidates are set to give Bwanika a run for his money as they vie for his Parliamentary seat in the upcoming 2026 elections.
The Contenders
Faizo Seruwagi
Among the challengers is the young and popular Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) for Sembabule District, Faizo Seruwagi. A member of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the Progressive Liberal Union (PLU), Seruwagi gained prominence in 2006 as a mobilizer for the youth. He served as the youth councilor for Kimaanya at Kimaanya-Kyabakuza Division and later at Masaka City, where he played a crucial role in encouraging the youth to support government programs. His efforts in promoting unity over divisive politics were instrumental in Masaka’s elevation to city status.
Seruwagi’s leadership abilities were showcased through his effective mobilization of votes for the NRM in the Masaka sub-region districts. Following the 2021 elections, he was appointed Deputy RDC in various districts, including Rakai, before assuming his current position in Sembabule. “I am coming up to act as a bridge between the business community, farmers, and the common people to the central government,” Seruwagi stated. He plans to seek formal guidance from his superiors in 2025 and will contest if given the green light. If not, he pledges to support any NRM flag bearer.
Patrick Kuteesa
Another candidate is Patrick Kuteesa, a popular businessman who expressed interest in challenging Bwanika immediately after the 2021 elections. Kuteesa, known for mobilizing youth through sports activities like the Kuteesa Annual Cup, has garnered significant public attention. Despite his affiliation with the National Unity Platform (NUP), it remains uncertain if he will be the party’s flag bearer, as other NUP members have also shown interest in the seat. Kuteesa hails from Kisosso village in the Kimaanya-Kabonera constituency.
Jude Mbabaali
Jude Mbabaali, a lawyer with Lukwago & Co. Advocates and M/s Mbabaali Jude & Co. Advocates, is another formidable candidate. A former Masaka District LC5 chairperson and member of the Democratic Party (DP), Mbabaali contested the same Parliamentary seat in 2021 but lost to Bwanika, who benefited from the Kyagulanyi wave. Recently, Mbabaali joined the NUP after leaving the DP, a party he once described as ancestral. Whether he will secure the NUP flag remains to be seen, but he is likely to face off against Kuteesa in the party primaries.
Robert Asiimwe
The fourth candidate is Robert Asiimwe, owner of Kkingo Coaches and Director of Kkingo Parents Primary School Masaka, one of the region’s top-performing schools. Asiimwe contested in 2021 and secured 5,864 votes, placing second. He is expected to contest in the NRM party primaries alongside other members seeking the party’s nomination.
The Incumbent: Dr. Abed Bwanika
Dr. Abed Bwanika, a veterinarian, politician, and pastor, is the president of the People’s Development Party (PDP) and a member of the NUP. His entry into NUP without resigning from his PDP presidency has raised eyebrows. Currently, he is entangled in disputes with his party leaders while defending his long-time friend Mpuuga, who is under scrutiny for accepting a 500 million shilling service award. Bwanika is also remembered for attending President Yoweri Museveni’s swearing-in ceremony in 2016, despite his criticism of Museveni’s regime.
The 2021 Elections Recap
The 2021 elections saw a competitive race in the Kimaanya-Kabonera constituency. Bwanika Abed (NUP) emerged victorious with 15,341 votes, followed by Asiimwe Robert (NRM) with 5,864 votes. Other candidates included Kayemba Afaayo (FDC) with 1,743 votes, Jude Mbabaali (DP) with 688 votes, Ssimbwa John (Independent) with 501 votes, Lubyayi Hassane (Independent) with 360 votes, and Zikusooka Herbert (Independent) with 229 votes.
The Road Ahead
As the 2026 elections approach, Kimaanya-Kabonera is shaping up to be a political hotspot. The four challengers—Seruwagi, Kuteesa, Mbabaali, and Asiimwe—each bring their own strengths and strategies to the race, making it a highly anticipated contest. The incumbent, Dr. Abed Bwanika, faces a tough battle to retain his seat amidst the growing competition. Voters in the constituency will be closely watching the developments as the candidates gear up for what promises to be a fiercely contested election.